DR Congo Expands Squad with European-Born Players Ahead of 2027 Africa Cup Qualifiers

DR Congo’s unexpected run to the last‑32 at this year’s World Cup has prompted coach Sébastien Desabre to broaden the squad with six European‑born players. The additions—Willy Kambwala of Como, Ezechiel Banzuzi of Leipzig, Stanis Idumbo of Monaco, Jordy Makengo of Freiburg, Noah Mbamba of Lorient and Kevin Pedro of Saint‑Étienne—were called up for the team’s first matches since the tournament, a 15‑minute loss to England in Atlanta and a 24‑September game against Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa. All six have junior caps for other nations and must obtain FIFA clearance to switch allegiance; none have yet been approved. Desabre plans to use friendlies against Uganda on 2 and 5 October to entice further players, including Ajax’s Jorthy Mokio and England U‑20s Paris Maghoma and Stephy Mavididi. DR Congo’s World Cup breakthrough and this recruitment drive signal a strategic push to build a formidable squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.